Consumer Safety Complaints

Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported Deaths

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.

The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.

How to interpret what you read

A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:

One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.

If you've experienced a defect

File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.

Read more from our blog

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 129,250 complaints - component: AIR BAGS

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Vehicle was in direct head on accident and air bags were not deployed.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Most of the dash lights are on scan code U1412. Says traction control not working, ABS not working, speedometer not working, and airbags not working. The Power Control Module (PCM) needs replaced. A known issue with the Jeep Wrangler JKs. No one stocks the parts and used ones are way over priced. How can Jeep not have to replace it or at least stock a replacement part that has the issues resolved?

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

The airbag warning light illuminated on my 2019 Ford Expedition. My Ford dealer diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the condition is related to an active Ford safety recall. The dealer also confirmed that the defect disables the entire Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), meaning the airbags will not deploy in the event of a collision. I was informed that the recall replacement part will not... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH downhill, the driver swerved to the left to avoid crashing into the vehicle ahead, and the vehicle struck a fire hydrant and then crashed into a pole, where the vehicle came to a stop. The fire hydrant detached, causing water to spread. The vehicle sustained severe front-end damage; however, the ai... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jun 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V201000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle was sold and released to the contact as a new vehicle with an... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2026

The side curtain airbags on my 2014 Nissan Xterra deployed unexpectedly, without any collision or impact. Nissan's Dispute Resolution Programs team is currently investigating (Incident #56613207). I was currently driving and luckily was able to pull over without any further issues but it could've been much worse if there was heavier traffic on the road. The vehicle was taken to a Nissan dealersh... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

I purchased a 2025 EX90 on XXX. Immediately upon purchase, nearly every time my [XXX] daughter was riding in the middle seat using the integrated booster, the car would alert me that someone was sitting in the other two seats on either side of her. There were also occasions when only one seat alarm would go off. I checked her positioning to confirm that there was nothing on those seats. I took it ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

A Ford Dealer came on a mobile call the replace the Clock spring in the steering wheel. It was an recall NHTSA # 22V337 ------- Manufactures # 22S35 They replaced it and now nothing works on my steering wheel. Dealer came to pick up my truck and take it to the Dealership. Has not been repaired yet .

Incident date: Sep 3, 2020

The vehicle is subject to a Passenger Occupant Detection System / PODS safety recall involving the front passenger seat occupant-detection system and passenger airbag status. The concern is that the system may incorrectly detect whether a passenger is seated and may switch off or affect the front passenger airbag when the seat is occupied. This is being reported because the recall remedy was not ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Only the side window airbags deployed during a collision. There was no protection from the front impact. Insurance representatives have the vehicle and we are waiting to hear about the outcome. While in the car pool lane traveling approximately 65mph, a Honda civic left the lane to the right of us and veered directly into our lane. I applied the brakes as hard as I could, but did not swerve due to... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated, and the air bag module warning light was illuminated. The air bag occupant classification system was not operating as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and an occupant detection system malfun... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

My vehicle has an active Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag dashboard warning light. A professional diagnostic scan has confirmed the active fault code: B143100 - "SIDE AIRBAG REAR DRIVER RESISTANCE CIRCUIT SHORT TO GROUND This exact physical failure matches the known manufacturing defect detailed in NHTSA Campaign 23V-035 (Kia Recall Code SC262). While my specific VIN does not currently ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

The airbag light randomly came on 2 weeks ago and stayed on , indicating that the airbags would not deploy in the event of an accident. I called my mechanic, who confirmed it was not a warranty item. My car only has about 45,000 miles on it and is well maintained. it has never been in an accident. I dropped my car off with my mechanic, who is waiting on the needed part, but noticed after I droppe... Read more

Incident date: Jun 21, 2026

On XXX, while driving my 2019 Ford Expedition (VIN: [XXX]) on the highway, the front passenger seatbelt retractor pretensioner spontaneously deployed with a loud explosion and smoke. There was no accident, no impact, and no erratic driving. The seatbelt is now completely locked and unusable, and the entire SRS/Airbag system is disabled with a hard fault light on the dash. My vehicle is covered und... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2026

My mechanic said that he believes there is a recall on a recalled part this was previously repaired per Mercedes notice of safety recall dated April 2018. The recall remedy provided by the manufacturer has failed to permanently fix the safety defect, and the vehicle remains unsafe to drive. "On certain Model Year (“MY”) 2014-2017 B-Class electric, MY 2012-2018 C-Class, MY 2012-2017 E-Class, MY... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2026

Incident date: May 24, 2026

No one sits in the passenger seat 99% of the time. The passenger airbag warning light is illuminated, and I am uncertain about its proper deployment in a critical situation. The issue remains unverified by a dealership or any other individual. The component has not been subject to any inspection. I do not recall the specific warning message displayed on the dashboard.

Incident date: Jun 11, 2026

The contact owned a 2020 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, a second vehicle crashed head-on into the front of the vehicle. During the head-on crash, no air bags inside the vehicle deployed. The contact sustained a concussion and right eye injury and later received medical attention. A Police report was filed at the scene. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), specifically the airbag system, is the component of concern. During a two-impact collision involving my 2025 Toyota Sienna XLE, none of the airbags deployed despite significant front-end damage that resulted in the vehicle being declared a total loss. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the insurance company or its storage facility. I do not know ... Read more

Crash 5 injured

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

We were not injured. We fixed the problem before we did get hurt..message came up.. “Check airbag system”. We had t replace our driver’s side airbag at the cost of over $1,500.

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal snapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a code reader retrieved information that there was a fault with the SRS sensor. The contact was charged for a diagnostic test an... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

The contact owned a 2012 Mazda Mazda5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, a deer wandered into the middle of the road, and the contact depressed the brake pedal and the wheels locked up, causing the tires to slide. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a ditch, spun around, and struck another object, causing the vehicle to land back into the ditch where ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the airbag system of my Volkswagen Atlas vehicle. At approximately 65,000 miles, my vehicle displayed the warning message: “Error: Airbag, Faulty airbag.” Because an airbag malfunction creates a serious safety concern, I contacted my local Volkswagen dealer on September 23, 2025 to ask whether there was an active recall related to this issue.... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while slowly driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly stopped and then suddenly jolted forward and crashed into a guard rail and steel fence in front of the local Post Office. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported. A Police report was taken at... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 31, 2026

I was traveling south on Lee Jackson hwy in Staunton Va at about 40 to 45 mph and was t-boned on the right passenger side with the impact just in front of the passenger door and front quarter panel. The damage ended up being all the way to the right rear passenger door. None of the air bags or side curtain airbags deployed.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Feb 8, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag System - SRS Fault" was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer retrieved an intermittent diagnostic trouble code associated with the cable reel. The contact stated that the message was constantly displayed. The dealer was notified of the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light with the precise pressure on the brake pedal, the RPM became elevated, the brake pedal was released, and as a result, the vehicle increased in speed and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact's entire front side impacted the rear of another vehicle. No property damage was reported. The cont... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 27, 2026

Updated NHTSA Complaint DraftVehicle Information: 2014 Hyundai SonataVIN: [XXX] Incident Date: XXX Description of Safety Defect:While driving on XXX, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and completely shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of motive power. This sudden engine stall created an extreme, hazardous traffic safety risk.A subsequent professiona... Read more

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

My 2020 Porsche Cayenne has experienced leather dashboard delamination, with the leather separating, shrinking, and lifting from the dashboard substrate on both the driver and passenger sides. The delamination extends across the upper dashboard, including areas adjacent to the passenger airbag deployment zone. I am concerned that loose or detached dashboard material could interfere with, delay, or... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2026

Purchased used 2023 Audi A4, driven less than 6 times, 30 days later with less than 36k miles the Safety Air Bag Scale & Sensor are illuminating as a "Warning" on the Display Panel" .....ALREADY! Cannot drive, Sunday, Service Centers CLOSED....SAFETY HAZARD to PASSENGERS if vehicle used. AUDI Parts need to be of better quality material for its "Brand", and Customer Safety. DGuthrie - Panthergirl42... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2026

Seat occupancy sensor, it's associated with code "B12251B".

Incident date: Apr 25, 2026

The vehicle was rear-ended on I-5 in Seattle Washington. The impact drove the subject car into the car in front of it. The front passenger airbag deployed (no occupant). The front driver airbag did not deploy, resulting in the driver hitting their nose and forehead on the steering wheel. The driver sustained relatively minor nose bruising and possibly a mild concussion. (Note, airbag recall had ... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 17, 2026

Recall I got a electric problem plus air bags problem plus TC problem 🙄

Incident date: Jun 24, 2026

Codes for B1760 and B1650 present, intermittent SRS light for the passenger airbag. Passengers put at risk in event of crash. SRS sensor issues seem to be common for this vehicle according to online databases and dealership technicians.

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

I was driving in the northbound left hand lane on creasy lane in Lafayette, Indiana, approaching Rome Drive. A driver from a side street took an illegal left hand turn to head towards the northbound lanes of creasy lane, I was traveling over 30 mph, maybe 40 at the time of the collision. I was unable to see the other driver until it was too late as they passed by drivers turning from the right han... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a software card to give them the tool they didn’t have to fit in there tech 2 scanner and even with the ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

I keep going back to get the recall done and they keep telling me they don't have parts .This has gone on for years

Incident date: Jun 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated, and the front passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated while the front passenger's seat was occupied. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V244000 (AIR BAGS), and the contact was provided a letter stating that ... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2026

The vehicle has suffered a total failure of the passenger seat jumper wiring harness, which has completely deactivated the entire Supplemental Restraint System (SRS / Airbag system) and triggered the airbag warning light. This is a known manufacturing defect covered under an active Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). A certified Chrysler dealership previously performed a paid repair for this exa... Read more

Incident date: Nov 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat weight sensor failed to operate properly. The contact stated that while the front passenger’s seat was occupied, the air bag enabled warning light was flashing off and on. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V332000 (Air Bags). The dealer was contacted; however, the contact... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH through a green light, another vehicle driving through a red light and attempting to make a turn, the front bumper of the contact’s vehicle crashed into the front passenger’s side door. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact exited the vehicle safely and had a passenger in the front passenger... Read more

Crash Fire 3 injured

Incident date: May 16, 2026

The exterior paint on my 2016 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl, paint code SWP) is peeling off in large chunks across multiple panels. The clear coat is delaminating and lifting in sheets from the surface, exposing bare metal underneath which is now actively rusting. This is consistent with a known defect documented in hundreds of complaints about 2013-2016 Kia Sorentos in Snow White Pearl (SWP). I h... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

This complaint is a follow-up to NHTSA Complaints #11714226 and #11730299 regarding the same unresolved safety defect. Since those complaints were filed, the vehicle has now been involved in a SECOND defect-related crash. I repeatedly begged Genesis not to return this vehicle to me because I believed it was unsafe to drive. They refused to state the vehicle was safe or unsafe. No risk to them.Gen... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2004 BMW 330. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the front center of the vehicle crashed into the front center of another vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The contact stated that her and her husband both sustained injuries and sought medical attention; the contact stated that a piece of... Read more

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Mar 30, 2026

I purchased this car in April 2023 and in December 2023. I had to get a new battery when I purchased a car. They told me that there was no worries or mishaps with the vehicle they said just only normal wear and tear for is a used vehicle. My car is a 2021 Nissan Altima so the car would’ve been about two years old maybe or on his way to be in two years old when I got the car according to the Carf... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the seat belt warning light was intermittently illuminated while the seat belt was securely buckled. The messages "Service ESC” and “Service Trailer Brake System” we... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2026

The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Camry. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed into a street pole and rolled several times before crashing into a parked vehicle, where it came to a stop. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter-in-law and the contact's nephew were inside the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard.... Read more

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: May 31, 2023

I was driving north on [XXX] when I felt a slight pull to the right. I figured it was my lane assist even though I was in my lane. Seconds later it felt like if someone was in my passenger seat and just yanked my steering wheel to the right hitting the guardrail. My whole tire and the assembly was off but everything was still intact to the tire. The tie rods, axle, ball joints, the whole assembly.... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

I am writing to formally report an automobile accident that occurred today and to document a critical safety failure involving my vehicle's airbag system.Incident Description & Safety CompromiseMy car was struck by a large semi-truck and dragged for approximately 15 meters. Despite the severe nature and force of this collision, the airbags failed to deploy fully. This malfunction directly compromi... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 18, 2026

Vehicle was in a front end collision and the air bags never deployed. Approximate speed 40-45 mph

Crash

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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